Session 1C: Being Prepared for the Transportation Transformation
Session Description: The speakers and panelists in this session will provide a comprehensive overview of connected and autonomous vehicle planning taking place in Pennsylvania. Learn how Pennsylvania is approaching the transportation transformation.
Moderator: Larry Bankert, PE, PTOE, Michael Baker International
- Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) CVAV Strategic Plan, Mark Kopko, Manager, Advanced Vehicle Technology, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
- CAV Roadmap: Connected and Autonomous Vehicle Planning at the PTC, Mike Pack, Acting Traffic Operations Manager, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
- Smart Belt Coalition Panel, Stan Caldwell, Executive Director, Traffic21 Institute, Carnegie Mellon University
- Smart Belt Coalition Panel, Bob Taylor, Chief Technology Officer, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
- Smart Belt Coalition Panel, Mark Kopko, Manager, Advanced Vehicle Technology, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Speaker Bios:
Mark Kopko is the manager of PennDOT’s Advance Vehicle Technology program. Mark is currently in charge of all day-to-day operations related to connected and automated vehicles including the deployment of Dedicated Short-Range Communications (DSRC) and the development of the Statewide Connected and Automated Vehicle Strategic Plan. Mark has previously served as a technical advisor for PennDOT’s 2040 Connected and Automated Vehicles Vision and committee member for NCHRP 20-24(98) — Connected and Automated Vehicles Research Roadmap. Mark is PennDOT’s representative to the Connected Vehicle Pooled Fund, Vehicle-to-Infrastructure Deployment Coalition, AASHTO’s Connected/Automated Vehicle Working Group, Smart Belt Coalition, and numerous other groups/committees. Mark is a graduate of The Ohio State University.
Mike Pack is the acting manager of traffic operations at the PA Turnpike Commission. Mike has been with the PA Turnpike for over two years, previously working for PennDOT for over 17 years in several ITS and traffic operations related positions. Mike currently oversees the PA Turnpike’s ITS deployment program, Traffic Operations Center systems and software deployments including ATMS, incident and emergency management programs, and connected and autonomous vehicle early deployment projects.
Stan Caldwell serves as executive director, at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, of both the Traffic21 Institute and Mobility21 National University Transportation Center designated by the US DOT. These centers support faculty and students from across the University in technology-focused interdisciplinary transportation research and education. The research centers maintain a primary emphasis on deploying research and technology in the community and work with public and private partners to use Pittsburgh and the region as a smart transportation test bed. Stan also serves as adjunct associate professor of transportation and public policy.
Bob Taylor is the chief technology officer for the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) and oversees the operations of the Information Technology (IT) department. His primary responsibilities include strategic planning, personnel management, fiscal management, budget analysis and project/program development. Previously, Bob served as the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) manager of traffic operations, where he was responsible for the efficient movement of traffic and goods throughout the Pennsylvania Turnpike highway system; the design, implementation and management of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) infrastructure and related systems; and coordinating with other agencies to operate the Pennsylvania Turnpike highway system. Bob was an engineering consultant for 21 years prior to joining the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC). He is a 1994 graduate of Penn State.
